Intelligent camera head

ABSTRACT

A video imaging system that minimizes the effect of EMI on the image data, provides a small, lightweight easy to use camera head, permitting interchangeable use of a variety of intelligent camera heads with a single camera control unit, and allows the utilization of new camera heads with new functions as they become available without having to replace the existing CCU.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a camera head having components permitting itsinterchangeable use with a variety of camera control units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of video endoscopy, to which the present invention generallyrelates, includes medical diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines thatutilize endoscopes to penetrate and view otherwise inaccessible bodycavities utilizing minimally invasive surgical procedures. Coupling ofvideo imaging cameras (incorporating solid-state imagers) to endoscopes,for image reproduction, has become standard within the field. Endoscopicvideo cameras (hereinafter referred to as “camera heads”), are mostadvantageously small and lightweight for ease of use by medicalpersonnel, and typically incorporate either single or multiplesolid-state imagers. Some special purpose endoscopes have integrated(built-in) solid-state imagers, which do not facilitate direct viewingof internal body cavities by medical personnel without an accompanyingvideo imaging system and display. To achieve the desired size andweight, camera head and/or integrated endoscope-camera assemblyelectronics are typically separated physically from the majority ofcircuitry required to process and output high-quality, color videoimages.

Typically, endoscopic camera heads are sterilized prior to each use,because camera heads and endoscopes enter the “sterile field” during asurgical procedure. Camera control units (“CCUs”), which contain themajority of the electronic circuitry required to process video images,are typically not sterilized, and are placed on or in carts, orpermanently wall-mounted. In known video imaging systems,interconnection is achieved by means of a cable, with usually one cableend permanently fixed to the camera head, while the other cable end isdetachably connected to the CCU using a connector. Similar to the camerahead itself, it is advantageous that cables be small in diameter andlightweight, but rugged enough to withstand repeated sterilization,accidental gurney wheel “run-over,” and the like.

Known video imaging systems typically include at least one camera headwith a fixed cable, and often either a CCU having various inputconnections or different CCUs for each camera type. The inputconnections to the CCU are keyed so that specific camera heads can onlybe connected to a specific one of various inputs or to a particular CCUthat corresponds to that particular camera head specifications. Timingsignals, video system function command signals, and camera head supplyvoltages are all generated in the CCU for transmission to the camerahead. The advantage to this camera head arrangement is small size,lightweight and easy maneuverability. Disadvantageously, only cameraheads requiring timing signals matched to the CCUs timing generator maybe utilized with this arrangement. Therefore, new or differing cameraheads utilizing different timing signals cannot be utilized.

Another disadvantage of known video imaging systems is that the variouscamera heads have differing cable structures based upon the camera headparameters. Each camera head typically is matched to its ownspecifically configured cable.

Existing interconnections between camera heads and CCUs typicallycomprise dedicated parallel wires to provide greater data carryingcapacity. It is meant by “dedicated parallel wires” that each specificsignal is transmitted by means of an individual wire, either single forpower and control signals or shielded coax for image data, between acamera head and CCU. However, a disadvantage of providing dedicatedparallel wires is that typically twenty to thirty separate lines arerequired to control, energize and receive image data from camera heads,with most signal lines requiring a dedicated connector pin. The morelines required, the greater the diameter, size and corresponding weightof the cable bundle. The larger this bundle becomes, the more likely itis to interfere with medical personnel's use of the video imagingsystem. Moreover, utilizing dedicated parallel wire type cabling isundesired when additional functionality is required and added to eitherthe camera head or CCU. To accommodate this new functionality,additional wiring must be incorporated in the cable bundle, requiringequipment redesign and subsequent purchase by customers. Also, as videoimaging systems develop, CCUs are becoming programmable forcompatibility with various types of camera heads, are adding new controlfeatures and are processing different types of video signals.

Another aspect of video imaging systems is that undesired image “noise”can be encountered, due to stray electromagnetic signals being inducedupon the wires of the cable bundle (commonly referred to aselectromagnetic interference, “EMI”), and from signal “cross-talk”within the cable itself. Known video imaging systems utilize analogsignals for transmitting video and other signals to or from camera headsand CCUs. These analog signals, especially image data, are verysusceptible to EMI from surgical electro-cautery equipment and the like.The use of EMI shielding is prohibitive due to the added cost andsubsequent cable size and weight increase. Moreover, the desiredendoscopic camera head cable length itself (typically 10 feet or more)tends to induce noise as analog signals are propagated down its length.

Additionally, solid-state imaging devices of higher resolution arebecoming available and commercially feasible for use in video imagingsystems. As imagers increase in sophistication, greater amounts of imagedata must be transmitted by means of the interconnection cable betweencamera heads and CCUs, and thus higher speed data transmission meansmust be utilized.

What is desired, therefore, is to provide a video imaging system whereinterconnection of camera heads is not limited to only those cameraheads compatible with the timing signals generated in the CCU. Rather, avideo imaging system is desired that enables the CCU to process imagedata and receive control signals from, and to issue command signals to,many types of camera heads, each having differing timing signalrequirements.

It is further desired to provide a video imaging system that isresistant to both internal and external electromagnetic interferencethat does not require utilization of heavy shielding. Thisadvantageously will enable the use of a small diameter, lightweightcable.

It is further desired to provide a video imaging system enabling cameraheads and CCUs to take advantage of new features and functions withoutrequiring redesign and/or replacement of the system. Such aconfiguration would provide the ability to accommodate future videocamera system improvements and adaptations as current technologylimitations are overcome, without obsolescing initial customerinvestments in CCUs.

It is further desired to provide a video imaging system that enables theuse of a single pair of wires for transmission of control, command andimage data transmission from and to the camera head and the cameracontrol unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the invention are achieved in oneadvantageous embodiment by providing a video imaging system comprising:a camera control unit for processing a digital image signal; a cable,connected to said camera control unit, for transmitting the digitalimage signal to said camera control unit; and a camera head, connectedto said cable, for providing the digital image signal, said camera headincluding: an imager, for generating an analog image signal; a timinggenerator, for actuating said imager; a converter, for converting theanalog image signal into the digital image signal; and a serializer, forserializing the digital image signal for transmission over said cable.

In another advantageous embodiment a video imaging system is providedcomprising: a camera control unit for processing an image signal; acable, connected to said camera control unit, for transmitting the imagesignal to said camera control unit; and a camera head, connected to saidcable, for providing the image signal, said camera head including: animager, for generating the image signal; and a timing generator, foractuating said imager.

In a further advantageous embodiment a video imaging system is providedcomprising: a camera control unit for processing a digital image signal;a cable, connected to said camera control unit, for transmitting thedigital image signal to said camera control unit; and a camera head,connected to said cable, for providing the digital image signal, saidcamera head including: an imager, for generating an analog image signal;and a converter, for converting the analog image signal into the digitalimage signal.

In yet another advantageous embodiment a video imaging system isprovided comprising: a camera control unit for processing an imagesignal; a cable, connected to said camera control unit, for transmittingthe image signal to said camera control unit; and a camera head,connected to said cable, for providing the image signal, said camerahead including: an imager, for generating an image signal; and aserializer, for serializing the image signal for transmission over saidcable.

In still another advantageous embodiment a video imaging system isprovided comprising: a camera control unit for processing an imagesignal, a cable, connected to said camera control unit, for transmittingthe image signal to said camera control unit, and a camera head,connected to said cable, for providing the image signal, said camerahead including: an imager, for generating the image signal; and aprocessor.

In a further advantageous embodiment a video imaging system is providedhaving a small diameter, lightweight, universal cable configuration,utilizing low-voltage differential signals (“LVDS”). Although variousother signal methods may be used, LVDS based architecture is preferreddue to its low power consumption, high-speed data transfer rate,two-wire unidirectional connectivity, and high resistance to internal(cross-talk) and external electromagnetic interference. The cablearchitecture is designed to reliably transmit and receive data fromdifferent camera heads to CCUs, as well as accommodate the differingtechnical requirements of different camera heads.

The cable has also been provided to accommodate the use of programmableCCUs. For instance, a camera head is connected by means of the universalcable to a programmable CCU. Software executing on the programmable CCUverifies connection to the camera head and retrieves camera headinformation relating specifically to that camera head. Camera headinformation may include command and control data comprising: softwareprograms, operating information, timing signal data, camera headidentification information, camera use information and the like. Controlsignals include any signal transmitted from the camera head except imagedata, such as timing signals generated by the timing generator, andsignals generated by the processor. Command signals include any signaltransmitted from the camera control unit to the camera head.

The architecture of the universal cable also greatly increases the datacarrying capacity of the cable connection between the various CCUs andthe varying camera heads. This need for increased data carrying capacitycan be achieved by means of data multiplexing, while still maintainingthe desired small diameter, and weight of a single cable. What is meantby “data multiplexing” is that any single signal path can be utilizedfor transmitting multiple data streams on a time-sharing basis. The newcable architecture will also allow for a greater cable length while notsacrificing data carrying capacity or inducing signal noise.

In a further advantageous embodiment a video imaging system is providedwhere the digital camera head comprises at least one processing deviceused to receive parallel digital video data and compress the data into adigital serial data stream for reception by at least one digital serialdriver; and to receive digital serial data from at least one digitalserial receiver. The programming flexibility realized using at least oneprocessing device (such as, but not limited to, field programmable gatearrays, computer programmable logic devices, digital signal processors,and microprocessors) provides the necessary speed, precision, andadaptability desired for endoscopic video camera applications. Moreover,camera head physical size, production costs, and power consumptionconsiderations are further mitigated by using a processor based videodata compression and conversion configuration, instead of using discretemultiplexing devices. Additionally, as imager technologies improve, theinvention can be easily adapted, by means of programming revision, tofurther exploit those improvements.

The invention and its particular features and advantages will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description considered withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the videoimaging system—including the camera head, universal cable and cameracontrol unit.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the videoimaging system—including the camera head, universal cable and cameracontrol unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the videoimaging system—including the camera head, universal cable and cameracontrol unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the videoimaging system—including the camera head, universal cable and cameracontrol unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the videoimaging system—including the camera head, universal cable and cameracontrol unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the endoscopicsystem, the universal cable interconnecting a single imager camera headwith a CCU.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the endoscopicsystem, the universal cable interconnecting a multiple imager camerahead with a CCU.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the video imaging system100. A camera head 105 is provided having an imager 115 for receivingphotonic energy 110 reflected off a viewed object (not shown). Theimager 115 utilizes timing signals generated in timing generator 125 todevelop output analog image data corresponding to the received photonicenergy 110. The imager 115 converts the received photonic energy 110 tooutput analog image data received by analog-to-digital converter 120.The analog-to-digital converter 120 in turn converts the received analogimage data to digital image data. The digital image data is then fedinto multiplexer 130. The timing generator 125 also provides an input tomultiplexer 130. A processor 135, having access to a memory device 140is also located in the camera head 105. The processor 135 may sendcamera information stored in memory device 140 to multiplexer 130. Themultiplexer 130, multiplexes the various received input signals,generating a multiplexed digital signal. The output of multiplexer 130is connected to serializer 145, also located in camera head 105. Theoutput of serializer 145 is then connected to digital serial driver 150.The output of digital serial driver 150 is coupled to camera controlunit 160 via coupling element 155. Camera control unit 160 processes thereceived signal via processor 165. The processor 165 utilizes timingsignals generated in timing generator 125 to process the received imagedata in order to generate video output 170.

FIG. 2 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the video imagingsystem 200. A camera head 205 is provided having an imager 215 forreceiving photonic energy 210 reflected off a viewed object (not shown).The imager 215, located in camera head 205, utilizes timing signalsgenerated in timing generator 220, also located in camera head 205, todevelop output image data corresponding to the received photonic energy210.

The output of imager 215 is coupled to processor 245, located in cameracontrol unit 240, via coupling element 225. In addition, an output fromtiming generator 220 is coupled to processor 245, located in cameracontrol unit 240, via coupling element 230. Processor 245 utilizestiming signals generated in timing generator 220 to process the receivedimage data in order to generate video output 250.

FIG. 3 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the video imagingsystem 300. A camera head 305 is provided having an imager 315 forreceiving photonic energy 310 reflected off a viewed object (not shown).The imager 315 develops output analog image data corresponding to thereceived photonic energy 310. The imager 315 converts the receivedphotonic energy 310 to output analog image data received byanalog-to-digital converter 320. The analog-to-digital converter 320 inturn converts the received analog image data to digital image data. Theoutput of analog-to-digital converter 320 is then coupled to cameracontrol unit 330 via coupling element 325. Camera control unit 330processes the received digital image data to generate video output 335.

FIG. 4 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the video imagingsystem 400. A camera head 405 is provided having an imager 415 forreceiving photonic energy 410 reflected off a viewed object (not shown).The imager 415 develops output image data corresponding to the receivedphotonic energy 410. The imager 415 converts the received photonicenergy 410 to output image data received by multiplexer 420, alsolocated in camera head 405. A memory device 425, located in the camerahead 405, is also coupled to multiplexer 420. The multiplexer 420,multiplexes the various received input signals, generating a multiplexedsignal. The output of multiplexer 420 is coupled to camera control unit435 via coupling element 430. Camera control unit 435 processes thereceived signal to generate video output 440.

FIG. 5 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the video imagingsystem 500. A camera head 505 is provided having an imager 515 forreceiving photonic energy 510 reflected off a viewed object (not shown).The imager 515 develops output image data corresponding to the receivedphotonic energy 510. The imager 515 converts the received photonicenergy 510 to output image data received by serializer 520, also locatedin camera head 505. The output of serializer 520 is coupled to cameracontrol unit 530 via coupling element 525. Camera control unit 530processes the received signal to generate video output 535.

FIG. 6 illustrates an advantageous embodiment the video imaging system600, as applied to a single solid-state imager camera head 605, and CCU610. The video imaging system 600 includes a universal cable 615, whichconnects camera head 605 to CCU 610. Solid-state imager 620 receivesphotonic energy 625 reflected off a viewed object (not shown). Imager620, being a charge coupled device (“CCD”), charge injection device(“CID”), or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) device, orthe like, converts the photonic energy into a representative analogvoltage, which is received by correlated double sampler (“CDS”) 630.Amplifier 635 receives the analog output of CDS 630. The output ofamplifier 635 is analog image data varying in accordance with the outputof imager 620 in reference to the gain level setting of amplifier 635.The analog image data output from amplifier 635 is received byanalog-to-digital (“A/D”) converter 640, which outputs a stream ofdigital image data (by means of a plurality of parallel lines)corresponding to the “varying” analog image data output by amplifier635. CDS 630, amplifier 635, and A/D converter 640 can be discretedevices, but it is preferred that all be integrated into a singledevice, and more preferred to utilize a device such as, but not limitedto, Exar, part no., XRD98L59 Image Digitizer, or National Semiconductor,part no. LM98501 or LM98503 Camera Signal Processors. Such integrateddevices are in common use within the video camera head field.

Processor 645 receives the parallel digital image data output by A/Dconverter 640, to compress the data into a digital serial data streamfor reception by digital serial driver 650. Processor 645 can be, but isnot limited to, a processor type such as field programmable gate arrays,computer programmable logic devices, digital signal processors, andmicroprocessors. Processor 645 outputs digital serial image data, whichis received by digital serial driver 650. Although various other digitalserial drivers may be used, a low-voltage differential signal driver ispreferred, for reasons previously detailed, and more preferred is toutilize a device such as, but not limited to, Texas Instruments, partno. SN65LVDS1 High-Speed Differential Driver. The output of digitalserial driver 650 is connected to first connector 655.

Universal cable 615 is terminated at a second end with a secondconnector 660. To provide interconnection between camera head 605 andCCU 610 via universal cable 615, the second connector 660 is secured tofirst connector 655. Further, a third connector 665 is provided forsecuring to a fourth connector 670. The input to digital serial receiver675 is connected to a fourth connector 670. Although various otherdigital serial receivers may be used (necessarily being compatible withdigital serial driver 650), a low voltage differential signal receiveris preferred, for reasons previously detailed, and more preferred toutilize a device such as, but not limited to, Texas Instruments, partno. SN65LVDS2 High-Speed Differential Receiver. The output of digitalserial receiver 675 is connected to image processing circuitry 680, foreventual output of image data 685. Image data 685 for display on a videomonitor or other video equipment (not shown), as is common within thefield.

A further function provided in this advantageous embodiment is theability to send control and/or command signals to, and write informationto the camera head 605 via processor 645. The input to digital serialdriver 690 is connected to image processing circuitry 680 and the outputof digital serial driver 690 is connected to the fourth connector 670.In this manner, information and data may be transmitted to the camerahead 605 via the universal cable 615. In the camera head 605, the inputto digital serial receiver 695 is connected to the first connector 655for receiving the transmitted information and/or data from digitalserial driver 690. In addition, the output to digital serial receiver695 is connected to processor 645 to effect control and/or commandsignals and to store data.

FIG. 7 illustrates the video imaging system 700, as applied to amultiple solid-state imager camera head 705, and CCU 710. The videoimaging system 700 includes, a universal cable 715, which connectscamera head 705 to CCU 710. Common within the field, multiple imagersare affixed to a prism assembly (not shown), which splits receivedphotonic energy (725 a, 725 b, and 725 c) into three separate wavelengthbands (red, blue and green, in the case of visible light camerasystems), which are then detected by the solid-state imagers (720 a, 720b, and 720 c). This configuration produces higher resolution images thana single imager configuration. Solid-state imagers (720 a, 720 b, and720 c) receive photonic energy (725 a, 725 b, and 725 c) from a prismassembly (not shown). Imagers (720 a, 720 b, and 720 c) being a CCD,CID, or CMOS device, or the like, convert the photonic energy (725 a,725 b, and 725 c) into representative analog voltages, which arereceived by CDS (730 a, 730 b, and 730 c). Analog outputs of CDS (730 a,730 b, and 730 c) are received by amplifiers (735 a, 735 b, and 735 c).The output analog image data of amplifiers (735 a, 735 b, and 735 c)vary in accordance with the output of imagers (720 a, 720 b, and 720 c)in reference to the gain level setting of amplifiers (735 a, 735 b, and735 c). The analog image data output from amplifiers (735 a, 735 b, and735 c) is received by A/D converters (740 a, 740 b, and 740 c), whicheach output a stream of digital image data (by means of a plurality ofparallel lines) corresponding to the “varying” analog image data outputsby amplifiers (735 a, 735 b, and 735 c). CDS 730 a, amplifier 735 a andA/D 740 a (as well as CDS 730 b and 730 c, amplifiers 735 b and 735 c,and A/Ds 740 b and 740 c) can be discrete devices, but it is preferredthat all be integrated into a single device, and more preferred toutilize a device such as, but not limited to, Exar, part no., XRD98L59Image Digitizer, or National Semiconductor, part no. LM98501 or LM98503Camera Signal Processors. Such integrated devices are in common usewithin the video camera field.

Processor 745 receives the parallel digital image data, to compress thedata into a digital serial data stream for reception by digital serialdrivers (750 a, 750 b, and 750 c). Processor 745 can be, but is notlimited to, a processor type such as field programmable gate arrays,computer programmable logic devices, digital signal processors andmicroprocessors. Processor 745 outputs digital serial image data, whichis received by digital serial drivers (750 a, 750 b, and 750 c).Although various other digital serial drivers may be used, low-voltagedifferential signal drivers are preferred, for reasons previouslydetailed, and more preferred is to utilize a device such as, but notlimited to, Texas Instruments, part no. SN65LVDS1 High-SpeedDifferential Driver. The outputs of digital serial drivers (750 a, 750b, and 750 c) are connected to second connector 755.

Universal cable 715 is terminated with a first connector 760 at thefirst end. To provide interconnection between camera head 705 and CCU710 via universal cable 715, first connector 760 is secured to secondconnector 755, and a third connector 765, which is terminated on thesecond end of cable 715, is secured to fourth connector 770. Digitalserial receivers (775 a, 775 b, and 775 c) inputs are connected tofourth connector 770. Although various other digital serial receiversmay be used (necessarily being compatible with digital serial drivers(750 a, 750 b, and 750 c), low voltage differential signal receivers arepreferred, for reasons previously detailed, and more preferred is toutilize a device such as, but not limited to, Texas Instruments, partno. SN65LVDS2 High-Speed Differential Receiver. The outputs of digitalserial receiver (775 a, 775 b, and 775 c) are attached to videoprocessing circuitry 780, for eventual output of video signal 785. Videosignal 785 is intended to be displayed on a video monitor or other videoequipment (not shown), as is common within the field.

A further function provided in this advantageous embodiment is theability to send control and/or command signals to, and write informationto the camera head 705 via processor 745. The input to digital serialdrivers (790 a, 790 b, 790 c) is connected to image processing circuitry780 and the output of digital serial drivers (790 a, 790 b, 790 c) isconnected to fourth connector 770. In this manner, information and datamay be transmitted to the camera head 705 via the universal cable 715.In camera head 705, the input to digital serial receivers (795 a, 795 b,795 c) is connected to second connector 755 for receiving thetransmitted information and/or data from digital serial drivers (790 a,790 b, 790 c). In addition, the output to digital serial receivers (795a, 795 b, 795 c) is connected to processor 745 to effect control and/orcommand signals and to store data.

The video imaging systems 600 (700) in FIGS. 6 and 7 have been designedto accommodate anticipated future data carrying requirements. Endoscopesystems will, most likely, continue to become more flexible. Forinstance, CCUs are becoming programmable for compatibility with varioustypes of cameras, are adding new control features, and are processingdiffering image signals.

In view of this, the video imaging systems 600 (700) have been designedto effectively transmit data between different camera heads and CCUs inorder to utilize programmable CCUs. As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7,digital serial drivers 650 (750 a, 750 b and 750 c) and digital serialreceivers 675 (775 a, 775 b and 775 c) provide this data capability. Inlike manner to digital serial drivers/receivers 650 (750 a, 750 b and750 c) and 675 (775 a, 775 b and 775 c), various digital serial driversand receivers may be utilized, but a low-voltage differential signaldriver and receiver are preferred, for reasons previously detailed, andmore preferred to utilize devices such as, but not limited to, TexasInstruments, part no. SN65LVDS1 High-Speed Differential Driver and partno. SN65LVDS2 High-Speed Differential Receiver.

As depicted in FIG. 7, digital serial drivers (750 a, 750 b and 750 c;and 690 a, 690 b and 690 c), and digital serial receivers (775 a, 775 band 775 c; 695 a, 695 b and 695 c) are provided for expanded data andcontrol capabilities as future video imaging system improvements arerealized.

As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, to eliminate the need for a differentcable type for each camera head configuration, the universal cable 615(715) is designed to be compatible with a variety of camera heads. Ageneric universal cable 615 (715) would be used for both multiple andsingle image sensor cameras 605 (705). This would be accomplished byproviding a universal cable 615 (715) with sufficient data carryingcapacity to accommodate a multi-imager digital camera, as depicted inFIG. 7. If the same cable were utilized with a single imager digitalcamera, as depicted in FIG. 6, then the signal paths not being utilizedwould not be connected within the camera. Therefore, a single genericuniversal cable 615 (715) is usable with a variety of camera heads,eliminating the need to stock a specific cable for differing videoimaging system types.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

1. A video imaging system comprising: a camera control unit processing acontinuous stream of digital video data; a cable, connected to saidcamera control unit, for transmitting the stream of digital video datato said camera control unit; and a camera head, connected to said cable,for providing the stream of digital video data, said camera headincluding; an imager, for generating an analog stream of video data; atiming generator, generating a timing signal particular to said camerahead, the timing signal actuating said imager and sent to said cameracontrol unit; a converter, for converting the analog stream of videodata into the stream of digital video data; a serializer, forserializing the stream of digital video data for transmission over saidcable; at least one digital serial driver; a processor; and a memorydevice, accessible by said processor, containing camera headinformation; said camera control unit having at least one digital serialreceiver and is controlled based at least in part upon said timingsignal particular to said camera head.
 2. The video imaging systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said camera head further comprises amultiplexer, for generating a multiplexed signal, which includes thedigital image signal and control signals.
 3. The video imaging systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said camera head utilizes at least onedigital serial receiver.
 4. Said camera head according to claim 3wherein the at least one digital serial receiver utilizes Low-VoltageDifferential Signals.
 5. Said camera head according to claim 1 whereinthe at least one digital serial driver utilizes Low-Voltage DifferentialSignals.
 6. The video imaging system according to claim 1 wherein saidcamera control unit utilizes at least one digital serial driver.
 7. Saidcamera control unit according to claim 6 wherein the at least onedigital serial driver utilizes Low-Voltage Differential Signals.
 8. Saidcamera control unit according to claim 1 wherein the at least onedigital serial receiver utilizes Low-Voltage Differential Signals.
 9. Avideo imaging system comprising: a camera control unit processing acontinuous stream of digital video data; a cable, connected to saidcamera control unit, for transmitting the stream of digital video datato said camera control unit; and a camera head, connected to said cable,for providing the stream of digital video data, said camera headincluding; an imager, for generating the stream of digital video data; atiming generator, generating a timing signal particular to said camerahead, the timing signal actuating said imager and sent to said cameracontrol unit; at least one digital serial driver; a processor; and amemory device, accessible by said processor, containing camera headinformation; said camera control unit having at least one digital serialreceiver and is controlled based at least in part upon said timingsignal particular to said camera head; wherein a plurality of cameraheads, each with differing timing signals, are attachable to andcontrolled by said camera control unit.
 10. The video imaging systemaccording to claim 9 wherein said camera head produces analog imagedata, said camera head further comprising a converter, for converting ananalog image signal to a digital image signal.
 11. The video imagingsystem according to claim 9 wherein said camera head further comprises amultiplexer, for generating a multiplexed signal, which includes theimage signal and control signals.
 12. The video imaging system accordingto claim 9 wherein said camera head further comprises a serializer, forserializing the image signal.
 13. The video imaging system according toclaim 9 wherein said at least one digital serial driver utilizesLow-Voltage Differential Signals.
 14. The video imaging system accordingto claim 9 wherein said at least one digital serial receiver utilizesLow-Voltage Differential Signals.
 15. A video imaging system comprising:a camera control unit processing a continuous stream of digital videodata; a cable, connected to said camera control unit, for transmittingthe stream of digital video data to said camera control unit; and acamera head, connected to said cable, for providing the stream ofdigital video data, said camera head including; an imager, forgenerating an analog stream of video data; a converter, for convertingthe analog stream of video data into the stream of digital video data; aserializer, for serializing the stream of digital video data aprocessor; and a memory device, accessible by said processor, containingcamera head information.
 16. The video imaging system according to claim15 wherein said camera head further comprises a multiplexer, forgenerating a multiplexed signal, which includes the digital image signaland control signals.
 17. The video imaging system according to claim 15wherein an inputted data formats the camera control unit.
 18. The videoimaging system according to claim 17 wherein the inputted data comesfrom the camera head.
 19. The video imaging system according to claim 15wherein said camera head utilizes at least one digital serial driverutilizing Low-Voltage Differential Signals.
 20. The video imaging systemaccording to claim 15 wherein said camera control unit utilizes at leastone digital serial receiver utilizing Low-Voltage Differential Signals.21. A video imaging system comprising: a camera control unit processinga continuous stream of digital video data; a cable, connected to saidcamera control unit, for transmitting the stream of digital video datato said camera control unit; and a camera head, connected to said cableand an endoscope, for providing the stream of digital video data, saidcamera head including; an imager, including an analog to digitalconverter for generating the stream of digital video data; a serializer,for serializing the stream of digital video data for continuoustransmission over said cable a processor; and a memory device,accessible by said processor, containing camera head information. 22.The video imaging system according to claim 21 wherein said camera headfurther comprises a multiplexer, for generating a multiplexed signal,which includes the image signal and control signals.
 23. The videoimaging system according to claim 21 wherein an inputted data formatsthe camera control unit.
 24. The video imaging system according to claim23 wherein the inputted data comes from the camera head.
 25. The videoimaging system according to claim 21 wherein said camera head utilizesat least one digital serial driver utilizing Low-Voltage DifferentialSignals.
 26. The video imaging system according to claim 21 wherein saidcamera control unit utilizes at least one digital serial receiverutilizing Low-Voltage Differential Signals.